Behavioural Assessment - TZRD9030

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Module delivery information

Location Term Level1 Credits (ECTS)2 Current Convenor3 2026 to 2027
Canterbury
Spring Term 7 20 (10) Serena Tomlinson checkmark-circle

Overview

Why do behaviours that challenge develop and maintain over time for some people with intellectual or developmental disabilities? Which factors facilitate or prevent skills development and reduction in behaviours that challenge? And how can we assess and understand the complex range of environmental and personal influences on an individual's behaviour?

You will be introduced to contemporary models analysing the factors affecting an individual’s behaviour, including behaviours that challenge and skill acquisition. You will develop a critical understanding of how these models relate to how behaviour is assessed in the field. By appraising the full range of behaviour analytic assessment methodologies (e.g., functional, skills-based, and ecological assessments), you will develop practical skills in designing and implementing holistic assessments to understand an individual’s behaviour. You will practice interpreting and synthesising multiple sources of assessment data, utilising this to generate comprehensive formulations that illustrate the key factors relevant to an individual’s behaviour and which can form the basis of personalised support plans. These skills are crucial to effective and ethical practice in applied behaviour analysis and positive behaviour support.

Details

Contact hours

Lecture (in person), (Distance Learning, Asynchronous) 42
Synthesis session (in person), (Distance Learning Synchronous) 3

Availability

The module is compulsory for the following courses
MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Positive Behaviour Support

This module is not available as an optional module

Method of assessment

Extended Writing Referral case study 1,500 words worth 30%
Extended Writing Assessment Report & Formulation 2,500 words worth 70%- This Assessment is Pass Compulsory.

Reassessment methods- Like-for-like

Indicative reading

The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.

See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:

1) Critically explain and reflect upon behaviour analytic models of understanding behaviours that challenge in people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

2) Critically explain and reflect upon behaviour analytic models of understanding the development and maintenance of skills in people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. 3) Critically appraise and design advanced assessment methodologies, including both indirect and direct approaches, to generate formulations for challenging behaviours and skills acquisition, while evaluating relevant ecological factors.

4) Appraise and design a range of advanced experimental analysis methodologies (including, among others, experimental functional analyses and preference assessments) and critically justify their use.

5) Use the information derived from the above methods to formulate in-depth, multi-factorial understandings of behaviours that challenge and skill repertoires.

Notes

  1. Credit level 7. Undergraduate or postgraduate masters level module.
  2. ECTS credits are recognised throughout the EU and allow you to transfer credit easily from one university to another.
  3. The named convenor is the convenor for the current academic session.
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